Posted on 09/25/2006 6:28:05 PM PDT by Coleus
Governors Island stood as a military sentinel in New York Harbor for more than two centuries. But with its enviable location just off the southern tip of Manhattan, it has long attracted the attention of urban planners, who argued it was better suited as a public park or airport. Perhaps it was unsurprising, then, that after the U.S. Coast Guard announced in 1996 it was giving up the island, a fierce struggle ensued between planners and the state and city politicians who would have to find the money for any major development.
As they bickered, a remarkable collection of historic brick buildings sat shuttered, and promised parks and commercial developments failed to materialize. In recent months, however, the Herculean task of transforming the island from federal outpost to city gateway has begun to show signs of progress.
A commission charged with bringing it back to life is considering 25 development proposals; major roof and gutter repairs are under way on historic buildings; and free ferry rides have wooed 25,000 visitors to a place off limits for the better part of the nation's history.
Leslie Koch, president of the Governors Island Preservation and Education Corp., considers all visitors as allies, and even as potential partners. "There are a unique set of challenges, but it's a very special place," Koch said during a recent interview as she rounded the southern tip of the island in a golf cart and the Statue of Liberty came into view. "It's a privilege to work on something that will be part of New York City forever."
The 12-member corporation board reviewing the proposals has jurisdiction over most of the 172-acre island. The National Park Service holds sway over 22 acres at the north, where two Revolutionary War-era forts are located.
(Excerpt) Read more at nj.com ...
Thanks for the ping...I always loved that place.
Spent a lot of time there, watched them finishing the WTC.
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